New research has revealed Melbourne is Australia’s most expensive city for a Government education.
The Futurity Investment Group Cost of Education Index estimates the total cost of a Government education in the Victorian capital will be $102,807 over 13 years for a child starting school in 2023. The total cost of a Government education in Melbourne is 17 per cent above the national average ($87,528) and considerably more expensive than Canberra ($77,002) and Brisbane ($80,419).
The Index revealed school fees make up just 5 per cent of the total cost of a Government education for a child starting school in Melbourne this year, with 95 per cent spent on ancillary costs. Melbourne parents are forecast to spend three times more on outside tuition ($1350) than school fees ($368) this year, with electronic devices ($1,013), musical instruments ($781), textbooks ($337) and school camps ($303) also adding to the total cost of a Government education.
Canberra, the Index found, is Australia’s most expensive city for a Catholic education. The total cost of a Catholic education in the nation’s capital is forecast to be $197,667 over 13 years for a child starting school in 2023, 7 per cent above the national average ($184,545) and considerably more expensive than Sydney ($178,478) and Melbourne ($184,366). It’s estimated Canberra parents will spend more on outside tuition ($2,979) than school fees ($2,781) this year, with electronic devices ($863), musical instruments ($787) and transport ($534) also adding to the total cost of a Catholic education. The research found school fees will make up 26 per cent of the total cost of a Catholic education for a child starting school in Canberra this year, with 74 per cent spent on ancillary costs.
The research also revealed Sydney is Australia’s most expensive city for an Independent education. The Futurity Investment Group Cost of Education Index estimates the total cost of an Independent education in the New South Wales capital will be $357,931 over 13 years for a child starting school in 2023. The total cost of an Independent education in Sydney is 19 per cent or $57,698 above the national average ($300,233) and considerably more expensive than Brisbane ($262,531) and Perth ($213,889). School fees ($8,920) are forecast to be the most expensive component of an Independent education for a child starting school this year in Sydney, well ahead of electronic devices ($2708) outside tuition ($1767), musical instruments ($818) and school uniforms ($501).The Index discovered school fees will make up 52 per cent of the total cost of an Independent education for a child starting school in Sydney in 2023, with 48 per cent spent on ancillary costs.
Futurity Investment Group Executive, Kate Hill, said the total cost of education has risen at nearly double the rate of inflation over the past decade. “School fees, outside tuition, school camps, transport, uniforms, electronic devices and sports equipment are demanding a far greater share of the family budget than in the past,” Ms Hill said.
“More than ever, the costs associated with education are placing more of a burden on Australian families, who are already stretched by the spiraling cost of living and rising interest rates.
“With less discretionary money to spend, it’s going to be a challenge for some families to pay for education. Parents who have planned and saved for education will be in a better position in the long run and will be able to explore and afford choice when it comes to their children’s education.“